Evaluating Public Transport Funding Options

As planners, it is our responsibility to help communities respond to these changing demands.

Travel demands – how and how much people want to travel – are changing. Demographic and economic trends (aging population, rising fuel prices, increasing urbanization, change consumer preferences, increasing health and environmental concerns, etc.) are causing automobile travel to peak, and demand for alternative modes to increase. Although few motorists want to give up driving altogether, at the margin, that is, compared with their current travel patterns, many people want to drive less and rely more on walking, cycling and public transport, provided those modes are convenient, comfortable and affordable. Such investments can provide high economic returns: each dollar spent improving walking, cycling and public transit can provide several dollars in total savings and benefits.

by Todd Litman

Full Story: http://www.planetizen.com/node/68913